Qantas predicts surge of September bookings by hopeful WA footy fans

By staff writers

March 22, 2019 — 1.52pm

Qantas is predicting a surge of upbeat Eagles fans fresh from their Grand Final win, as well as hopeful Dockers fans buoyed by a new-look list, to take full advantage of finals flights that went on sale Friday morning.

The airline has added more than 1600 extra seats on three new return flights and bigger aircraft on the WA to Melbourne route over the grand final weekend in September.

West Coast players were happy with their 2018 premiership but the price for fans to get to Melbourne was less smile-inducing.Credit:AAP

It said eager fans have already started booking flights and expected sales to ramp up after West Coast play Brisbane on Saturday, and Fremantle take on North Melbourne on Sunday.

The sale, at $349 one-way, runs until Monday or until sold out.

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After West Coast's win over Collingwood in last year's preliminary final, airfares on domestic carriers from Perth to Melbourne skyrocketed.

Qantas Domestic chief executive Andrew David said forward bookings showed West Australian fans were confident this year.

"Demand for flights across grand final weekend is 20 per cent higher at the start of this season than it was at the start of last season,” he said.

“Because fans do not know if their teams will make it until a week before, and it’s the busy school holiday period, there are generally only a small number of seats left one week out from the big game and they are often the more expensive fares.

“By booking well in advance, fans can enjoy avoid a last-minute dash to purchase flights and enjoy the season knowing they have locked in a great fare to Melbourne with the option to change their flight in the unlikely event that their confidence is misplaced."

Qantas and Jetstar added 2500 seats for WA football fans travelling between Perth and Melbourne for the 2018 Grand Final.